Hoyer Statement on Republican Budget for Fiscal Year 2014

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in response to the Republican budget for Fiscal Year 2014:

“The Republican budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014, which Chairman Ryan introduced this morning, once again heaps the burden of deficit reduction onto the backs of those who can least afford it while asking nothing of those at the top. Yielding to the extreme wing of his party, which has demanded that he balance the budget in only ten years but refuses to consider any new revenues necessary to do so, Chairman Ryan flouts mathematics and fiscal common sense by imposing severe cuts to programs vital to seniors, women, veterans, federal employees, low-income families, and America’s middle class.

“The Republican budget would again end the Medicare guarantee by turning it into a voucher program, and it predicates its savings on a repeal of the Affordable Care Act that both parties know is not realistic. Even then it must rely on magic asterisks that hide trillions in unexplained savings. The American people want a budget that is honest about our fiscal challenges, which is why they rejected this Republican approach to budgeting last November. The American people want a budget that works.

“In the coming days, Democrats will be putting forward sensible budget alternatives based on common sense and a balanced approach. Our priorities remain job creation, economic growth, and keeping Americans safe at home and around the world. In order to bring our deficits down in a responsible way, we must put both smart spending cuts and new revenues on the table. I hope Republicans will set aside their partisan budget proposal and instead work with Democrats to craft a budget that returns us to a path of fiscal discipline while embracing our highest priorities and our strongest values.”

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